what we can do for you
– Services –
Birth Control
Learn about the different methods we offer at no cost and are confidential. Does not require parental/guardian consent.
STD Testing
We want to get you tested and if needed treated for free!
Pregnancy Testing
Walk-in and get a test for free.
Plan B
Did the condom break? Spur of the moment sex? Did not consent to sex? Let us help you!
PrEP and PEP
Daily protection against HIV.
Who We Are
“Being a teenager is easy”, said no one ever. That’s why TEEN R.A.P. was created!
The TEEN Risk Assessment Program understands that the teen years are a time of intense physical, emotional, and intellectual change. So, we try to make it as easy as possible for you to achieve the healthiest life possible. We’re here to provide medical exams, vaccinations, STI and HIV testing, pregnancy testing or just to chat about your concerns. Best of all, our reproductive and sexual health care services are FREE & CONFIDENTIAL for young people ages 12 to 25!
Sexual Violence… There is Hope
Every 98 seconds in the United States, someone is sexually assaulted. Assault can include actions such as rape, molestation, or something as simple as groping. While every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, at least 321,000 of these people are over 12 years old. Age does not define whether or not somebody can get assaulted. In all actuality, 54% of people who experience sexual violence and assault are between the ages of 18 and 34, but people between the ages of 12 and 34 have the highest risk of being assaulted.
Aside from age, gender and sexual identity has a lot to do with assault and sexual violence statistics. At least 1 in 6 women in the United States has been raped, and women between the ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to get raped than the general population. Male college students (ages 18 to 24) are also five times more likely to get assaulted or raped than another male their age. And 21 percent of trans* and gender non-conforming college students have been raped or assaulted.
Sexual violence can have many negative long term effects, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), alcohol abuse, drug abuse, STD’s, and even suicide.
If you or someone you know are experiencing anything related to a sexual assault there are hotlines across the country you can reach out to. The Sexual Assault Hotline is a 24/7/365 hotline, and is always offering help to its callers. Just call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
Sexual violence and assault are horrible things, and we can try and stop it by educating ourselves and our peers about what sexual violence and assault is and how you can get help. Help make the 98 seconds non-existent by educating yourself and those around you.
Fall Fitness, Get Healthy
With Summer 16 long gone, Fall can be a time to start putting on the pounds and getting lazy. Everyone has a new school schedule and trying to get into a new routine can leave fitness on the back burner. But actually, Fall is a great time to get out and exercise. The cool crisp weather is perfect to jog or take a nice brisk walk in the park. Take advantage of this time of year before the snowy weather makes it hard to go outside and be active. Make fitness apart of your routine and leave the excuses at home. Just like you shower every day or brush your teeth, make getting outside a part of your daily routine. The sooner you incorporate this into your day the easier and more natural it will come. You will soon come to see how you will want to get outside and it will become a regular part of your day. Eating healthy is also a key component. Replace sugary and fatty foods with fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of water. Pack your lunch bag with things like strawberries, apples or oranges instead of cookies and chips. Even doing this for one meal a day will help, and before you know it you will find yourself choosing healthy snacks versus unhealthy snacks. Don’t completely deprive yourself from the things you like but just keep in mind, everything in moderation. Set a goal for yourself that you will strive for daily and watch how getting fit will help your overall health and wellbeing. Now go and get out there, be active!
Back To School is Upon Us
Homework, midterms, papers, these are not some of the things we look forward to. Back to school is upon us and it doesn’t seem like we can avoid it. Commercials on TV, newspaper ads and stores filled with school supplies are in our faces all the time these days. Sometimes the start of a new school year can be a time for redemption. Everything is new, our classes, teacher and school supplies are fresh and we can start on a blank canvas. Here are some tips to start the new academic year.
- Be on time. Being on time is one of the most important things to do. It shows you respect the class and the teacher. Some of the most important announcements are in the very beginning and if you are late everyday then you won’t know about the test next week or the extra credit assignment that is being offered.
- Do your best. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Having a perfect average all the time is nearly impossible and can be stressful. It is okay not to be perfect. As long as you do your very best and try to your fullest potential then you have done all you can do. Give yourself a break.
- Be prepared. Come to class with your homework done and the proper material for the class. Scrambling around for a paper and pen can not only be distracting to the classroom but can cause you to not get the most out of the class. You have to be there anyway, might as well get the most out of it. You will be surprised at what interesting things you can learn from school.
- Make new friends. There’s always a new kid in school and they can use the kindness. Let’s face it, it’s not fun being the new kid on the block so extend the smiling face and offer that seat to them at lunch. You may in fact find a long lasting friendship.
- Participate! Whether you like it or not, part of your grade is based on you raising that hand and answering a question. It not only makes the class go by quicker but when you don’t do as well on that pop quiz, your participation points will help boost your grade.
Summer fun in the sun, protect yourself.
It is officially Summer! It’s that time to head to the beach or lay out by the pool. Soaking up those rays can be tons of fun, but are you protecting yourself? Everyone loves how a great golden tan can look in the summer. However, the permanent damage the sun can do to your skin is no fun. Sunburn, wrinkles and even skin cancer are just a few consequences of not lathering on that SPF. Using sun block every time you are in the sun is quick and easy to do and will prevent you from the harsh UVA/UVB rays of the sun. Everyone is at risk, it doesn’t matter how light or dark your skin is naturally.
Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Skin cancer in the United States is rapidly increasing. 1 in 87 people will develop skin cancer and 7,300 of them will die of skin cancer each year. So, is that tan really worth it after all? But, there are some things you can do to help prevent over exposure to the sun and still enjoy yourself this summer.
- Limit the time you spend in the sun on the very first day, gradually increase your exposure day by day
- Use sunscreen and make sure to reapply every 2 hours and after swimming
- The sun can be extremely strong during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. try and avoid sun exposure during these times.
- Wear a hat to protect your head and face
- Sit in the shade and take a break from the sun often
Free yourself from Depression with 5 steps!
Freedom from Depression… There is a Way Out
There are many challenges in life that can keep a young person feeling like life is a drag. These emotions often occur during adolescent years when we are going through so many changes and both our bodies and minds are starting to develop in to an adult. Gloominess, loss of interest in things that we once loved, anger, and just feeling like this will never end are some of the things we might feel. These are examples of depression.
But guess what, this happens sometimes and it’s okay. We all go through stages of depression in life. The important thing to do is find a way to get yourself out of feeling this way.
- Acknowledge and Acceptance– Sometimes it is hard to even admit that we might have a problem and may be depressed. Depression, that can be a scary word. However, like most things, recognizing there is a problem is the first step to recovery. Once you realize it, change it!
- Switch it Up– Okay, you have recognized it and accepted it now it is time to conquer it. Changing your normal routine can change your mood and attitude. A simple thing like going for a walk after school or work can make you feel better. Or being proactive and making plans to hang out with family or friends. It is important to be around uplifting people who care about you. Being around positive people can really help change your mind set.
- Get Out There– Motivate yourself to do things you would never do like join a gym or a new club or sport at school. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. You may be surprised at the new people you meet. And you will be surprised at the many things you can accomplish.
- This too Shall Pass- Remind yourself that this is only for a season in life. Whatever you are going through will eventually be over. Things can seem bad now but everything has an ending. Nothing lasts forever and the circumstance you are in today may not be the same one month from now.
- You are Awesome! – Think about all of your accomplishments up to now. Remind yourself that you are a pretty great person and take pride in your achievements. You deserve a pat on the back. It is great to think about all the great things you have going on. You will be surprised at what you may have accomplished once you really sit back and think about it.
Great News for Teen Pregnancy Rates in the U.S.!
We hit a new record low this year in the number of teen pregnancies! According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the number of American teenage girls having babies this past year dropped another 8%, making the new teen pregnancy rate 22 of every 1,000 births were to teenage mothers, compared to the 2014 rate of 24 of every 1,000. This is great news! 80% of teenage pregnancies are unplanned and can cause a many social, emotional, medical, and economic problems for the teen parents.
Year after year we hope to see these rates continue to get lower and lower. After all, teen pregnancy is PREVENTABLE, and the numbers are showing we’re learning how to do just that. Abstinence, or not having sex at all, is the only 100% way to prevent pregnancy, however if you do decide to have sex, use a condom and/or a birth control method to make sure pregnancy does not occur. Sex can and should be amazing, fun and exciting, when you decide you’re ready for it. So when you do decide to have sex, take the proper steps to prevent pregnancy. To learn more about preventing pregnancy check out our birth control section.
Sources:
Healthday.com
Author
SI Teen R.A.P.
